The High Court of Justice in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has ordered the immediate and unconditional release of former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Godwin Emefiele from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice O.A. Adeniyi made the order on Thursday, after hearing a motion filed by Emefiele’s lawyers.

The court order states that the EFCC must release Emefiele forthwith or produce him in court on the date fixed for the hearing of the substantive motion on notice, with the possibility of being admitted to bail.

The substantive motion on notice is scheduled to be heard on Monday, November 6, at 1 p.m.

Emefiele was arrested by the EFCC on June 9 on allegations of financial impropriety. He was subsequently suspended as CBN governor by President Bola Tinubu.

Emefiele’s lawyers have argued that his arrest and detention are illegal and unconstitutional. They have also accused the EFCC of political witch-hunt.